04 Sep 2026
No Fewer Than Six Perish in Stampede at Ghana Military Recruitment Event
No fewer than six people have lost their lives during a crowd crush at a armed forces enlistment event held in a sports arena in Ghana.
The midweek "tragic" event seems to have been triggered by "a sudden rush of candidates who overcame security measures and stormed the gates," stated a statement from the nation's military.
22 additional individuals were hurt, among them 5 who remain in critical condition.
Thousands had turned up at El-Wak stadium, in the main city, Accra, with the hope of enlisting in the military.
The country has a youth unemployment rate of about 32%, the most recent official data indicate, and such enlistment drives typically draw massive gatherings and frequently lead to chaotic scenes.
The closing date to apply for this event was prolonged for a seven days to accommodate more applicants, as a number had faced challenges in the process.
Army spokesperson Capt Veronica Adzo Arhin said the stampede took place before the planned commencement time of 06:20 GMT.
Ghana's President John Mahama has visited the injured in hospital.
Calm has been restored, and the enlistment process has now started.